I no longer recall the first instance I had seen the question above. It is but a rhetoric statement.

Browsing through Pinterest one Sunday morning, I saw the statement again.

The user who uploaded the image puts forward a very interesting follow-up to the question. The caption read: “What if God is a metaphor for the universe and we really are created in its image?”

In his question, the user above referred to the Bible verse in the book of Genesis 1:27 which reads, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.” (King James Version)

However, the user’s intention in asking the question seemed inclined to explaining how man came to believe in God, with the assumption that the latter is not so.

Merriam Webster Online defines “Metaphor” as a figure of speech. So, to say that God is merely a metaphor is to say that the existence of the Universe supersedes the existence of God, and wrests that God’s existence might be arguable.

Most atheists consider Him nonexistent. Others even, meaningless.

But in truth, that is not the case. The respectable television preacher Bro. Eli puts it that the law of nature does not exist on its own but has a Creator who ‘predetermines’ it. That said, the Creator who is the God Almighty, cannot be meaningless.

“Real science believes in beginnings. Real science believes that there is an earth, a planet. Real science believes in the expanse that envelopes the earth and other heavenly bodies they call “space” which the Bible calls “heavens.”

The televangelist-blogger believes that the Bible and true science do not contradict, and that it is the interpreters of the Bible who make statements that contradict true science.

In this blog, he brought up Richard Dawkins, a British evolutionary biologist and atheist who believes in the theory of evolution and wrote that it is necessary for man to return to the sea as have ‘a good number of thorough-going land animals.’

But the account of creation in Genesis has a very scientific chronology proving that marine life came first before land life. How? “A day in creation is not a 24-hour day as other Bible apologist claim!” wrote Bro. Eli.

Even if human science is considered as true science by many people because of supporting empirical factual observations, while natural sciences are backed by rational theorizing, as according to Michael Dunn (The Human Sciences, 2013), Bro. Eli explained that they are still just theories!

“To qualify, not everything in the Bible is considered a mystery. The Bible contains information worded in simple words understandable even by the most illiterate of humans. Honor and obey a father and a mother can be understood even by a child.” quipped Bro. Eli.

Bro. Eli did say that God reserves some knowledge to Himself, and this is both biblical and factual.

“Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.” Ecclesiastes 8:17 (KJV)

The Scientific and Biblical Existence

“I have found there is a wonderful harmony in the complementary truths of science and faith.”

During one of our Thanksgiving Celebrations at Members Church of God International (MCGI), Bro. Eli featured this article written by Dr. Collins whose perception in life changed dramatically as he discovered the magnificence which is in God’s great and very scientific creation of the universe.

There are many scientists today who attest to atheism, but the claim that 99% of the world’s scientists are atheist is truly misleading.

Such was a statement of Jeremy Lucban, the atheist who defamed the televangelist largely on social media, a blind follower of Dawkins and the long-held atheistic theory that men come from apes.

There is much to disprove the atheistic claims and the theory of evolution itself! Even mitochondrial DNA is proven to have originated from a single mother – human, not ape.

Unlike Lucban, the more Collins learned in science and of the deep wonders in the world, the more it was likely to him that God exists.

This is the logical concept. As every action has an equal and opposite reaction, the universe cannot in itself exist. For what force was there to create the hypothetical friction in the hypothetical pea-sized dense matter from which the ‘Big Bang’ started?

Bro. Eli was appalled by the fact that people can believe such a theory and fallacy to be truth in order to support the notion that there is no God.

“It is possible to ignore the existence of a Creator but it is impossible to obliterate that existence, even if one believes in such non-existence. It is upon the existence of a Creator that we can even think of possibilities of how the world was created.”

Even theoretical physicist Michio Kaku was quoted to say, “I have concluded that we are in a world made by rules created by an intelligence.”

Kaku, a professor who has published over 70 articles for physics journals rocked the world of science – or should I say the world of atheistic scientists – when he was quoted saying this by the Geophilosophical Association of Anthropological and Cultural Studies, adding, “To me it is clear that we exist in a plan which is governed by rules that were created, shaped by a universal intelligence and not by chance.” (See video)

Truly there is need of a Creator to sustain this vast mathematical expanse.

And therefore, in entirety, the entity of God is not simply an idea created to explain the universe, but rather, it is the universe and all that God created which is proof of His existence, power and greatness.

As the international televangelist says, “Nothing in science tells us that there is no Creator.”

Nothing is lost in believing.

Take our universe as the metaphor.

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This entry was created on the basis of the blogs and teachings of Bro. Eli Soriano, the televangelist blogger and host of the longest-running religious program on Philippine television, Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path).

Blogging since the early 2000’s, he has received many recognitions for his works online. By April, he will also be celebrating 53 years in service to God. Visit his sites to learn more biblical facts:

It is a title that resounds. A title that befits him for his kindness and generosity.

Mr. Public Service: a friend, and brother.

Is he not but one man?

Reflecting upon his numerous achievements and noble works in broadcasting and numerous others in public service, one can say that such feats are but impossible to achieve by a single person.

But Kuya Daniel Razon has done through God’s help these amazing works, showing once again what pure motive to serve God can do – exceeding the ordinary, even the wildest expectations anyone can set.

(Photo from Daniel Razon Official Facebook Page)

In the thirty-three years that he had committed to serve God and his fellowmen, Kuya Daniel Razon has alit a candle, the light of which brought forth causes that benefit many people. What would modern journalism be like without UNTV News And Rescue, which tweaked mainstream practice focused on being first? This news-and-rescue advocacy prioritizes saving lives of others at the expense of breaking news first.

Or where would some thousand deserving yet poor students be now without the chance to get enrolled at La Verdad Christian College? The tuition-free education program is one of the country’s first that have yielded thousands of graduates and now socially-useful citizens of the country. Moreover, many of residents from various urban barangays and provincial areas are satisfied beneficiaries of his People’s Day Medical Mission outreaches, not the least those who avail the free services of Clinic Ni Kuya, Legal Center ni Kuya and Botika ni Kuya, among others.

As a nurse, the works of this man we call simply as Kuya Daniel is truly an inspiration. Like the thousands of lives changed through his works, inspirational speeches and sermons before the congregants of the Members Church of God International (MCGI), my life’s been changed and improved each day by big brother.

What encouraged me to pursue nursing as a professional career was the beauty of its nobility: spending a very fulfilling life serving others. Thankfully to God, I had been given the chance to become a volunteer staff of Clinic ni Kuya (CNK) Medical Mission in Cavite.

This opportunity gave me a grasp of Kuya Daniel’s genuine commitment to a lifelong advocacy. As a weekly regular volunteer with Clinic ni Kuya, we catered to hundreds of patients every week for free, including medication and follow-ups.

Many look up to him, and many should.

(Photo from Daniel Razon Official Facebook Page)

In line with advocacies that are truly patriotic, committed to nation-building and life changing, my admiration of Kuya Daniel’s bold ambition has given me a rich well of inspiration to do good despite the odds – because as Kuya Daniel always utter: doing good will reap no evil in due time.

Many look up to him, and many should.

So I take this opportunity to tell my fellow youth, let us walk in his example.

Of course, it cannot be expected of many of us to institute Transient Homes like the one Kuya Daniel Razon has helped put up in Quezon City, which is the first of its kind in the Philippines, nor put up an all-expense-paid school like the La Verdad Christian College.

But what can be expected of us is to devote our works to things that are not futile – to things that are of greater cause.

Mr. Public Service Kuya Daniel Razon has a name that is not simply words. He is an elder brother, a teacher, a father, and even a friend to those in need.

For a man of true valor – kind and God-fearing, we are thankful forever to God. Happy 33 Years of Service to God and Humanity, Kuya Daniel Razon!

There are many religions on this earth, each claiming to be the real one. Certain groups believe that religion is fiction. According to Karl Marx, “Religion is the opium of the people.” I beg to disagree. Perhaps ‘False Relgion’ is the opium of the people.

People of faith are being bashed on media and internet for the actions of a couple. Some people do things that are downright dishonorable – subject to criticism and disapproval by the rest of society. And this causes the world to be misled, to believe in the entirety of atheistic principles – including the nauseous idea that people came from apes. Such that even Richard Dawkins believes that the God of the Bible is a sadomasochist! God forbid anyone be misled by this foolish man. (See: The Sadomasochistic Tales of the Stupid Richard Dawkins by Mr. Controversy)

In the U.S., people celebrated the day when all of the states of this superpower country legalized same-sex marriage. They took to twitter with the hashtag #LoveWins. But later, in Kentucky, there was an issue regarding deputy clerk Kim Davis who, according to her beliefs, refused to issue a same-sex couple a marriage license – a clear violation of their constitutional rights. Davis believes she has a right to the practice of her faith, thereby not granting the marriage license to which she believes is a practice of her faith. But where do we draw the line between religious rights and constitutional rights?

“Democracy, which derives from the Greek word “demos,” or “people,” is defined, basically, as government in which the supreme power is vested in the people. In some forms, democracy can be exercised directly by the people; in large societies, it is by the people through their elected agents. Or, in the memorable phrase of President Abraham Lincoln, democracy is government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”“

But on page 26, under “Rule of Law,” the following is stated:

No individual is above the law. Clear as day!

I am no expert at politics, but I think this part of the conversation is pretty much intact. That said, despite having her religious rights, Kim Davis obviously have violated the law of the land. The rule of law defends against threats of tyranny and lawlessness – she can’t be exempt from the law because of her beliefs. This is where the “Separation of Church and State” comes in.

So, on the grounds of democracy, Davis’ actions are undoubtedly wrong. But on the grounds of Christian faith, could she be correct?

What better way to cross-examine this issue by going to one very unrefutable Christianity exposé blogger, Mr. Controversy?

Here is an excerpt taken from the website ControversyExtraordinary.com:

“Christ emphatically expressed that there are things for God and things for Caesar. Christ did not remove from his disciples the acknowledgement to government and to Caesar’s power. In fact Christ even taught His disciples to subject themselves to the power of the government.

MATTHEW 22:17-21
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

ROMANS 13:1-2
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

I PETER 2:13
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

But even to such submission, Christ emphatically expressed that there are things for God which are not meant to be spent for luxurious lifestyles.“

The Philippines has democratic constitution like that of the United States of America and should adhere to the same logic. In the above excerpt, the author accurately explained that Christians do subject to government.

In the blog above from which I just quoted, Mr. Controversy addresses against a certain issue regarding a religious organization which claims that their religious rights are being violated. From August 28 to August 30, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo group rallied in protest of the Department of Justice’s move accepting the complaints filed by Isaias Samson Jr. against, not the church group, but 8 individual members of the church group. It turns out that, for the Iglesia Ni Cristo sect, when Justice Secretary Leila De Lima did her job, she simply violated their religious rights.

They rallied on the weekend along one of the busiest highways of Metro Manila, EDSA. They exclaimed, in summary, that they wanted the government to get their nose out of their church affairs. But is this a legitimate complaint?

In an article by Patrick Quintos of ABS-CBN News published in August 31, it says:

Expelled INC minister, Isaias Samson, earlier filed a criminal complaint against eight members of the INC’s Sanggunian before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The DOJ has yet to act upon the complaint, but the INC has already accused the agency of selective justice, calling on the government to leave the matter alone to the church, citing the Constitution’s provision on the separation of the Church and the State.

“Religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo members cry for separation of Church and State in their protests along Shaw Boulevard on Sunday, August 30.” (Photo & Caption: Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV

Netizens react to INC rallyists who condemn Justice Secretary of the Philippines. (Photo taken from Twitter)

“I don’t want to have this conflict. I don’t want to be in the spotlight. And I certainly don’t want to be a whipping post,” Davis said. “I am no hero. I’m just a person that’s been transformed by the grace of God, who wants to work, be with my family. I just want to serve my neighbors quietly without violating my conscience.”

Despite saying she does not want conflict, Davis continues to say that she has no plans on resigning from her government position, and she will not go against her conscience. This is despite that she had sworn oath to do her duty under the authority of the laws and provisions of the constitution.

Photo taken from Twitter

Nightly Showhost Larry Wilmore put it perfectly when he asked the rhetorical question, “Since when do federal employees get to renegotiate the conditions of their employment?… Like her job has to match the view of the world in order for it to work.” He further adds, “Why is speaking her mind a quality admired and rewarded above all others right now?” He went on to compare her actions to Donald Trump’s public statements against Mexicans.

In addition to her actions, she comes out to Kentucky in election season in support of Huckabee. Wilmore termed that the lady is “forcing her beliefs” on the constitution which is clearly a violation of individual rights as well.

(You can watch the Nightly Show whole commentary on this below.)

What kind of God do these people serve? What kind of God does Davis serve? As proven with the verses stated earlier, the God of Christians definitely wouldn’t have His people ‘force’ their beliefs on anyone.

Of course, the law of man is imperfect. Absolute justice isn’t exactly being carried out everywhere at all times, especially in places where democracy does not apply, such as in the Middle East, and China.

“There is no better way to live our lives than to live by the intent of our Creator” – Bro. Eli Soriano

Photo taken from usnews.com

An unforgettable encounter

When my grandmother died of heart attack, it was as if the pain caused by her death was unbearable. But nothing beats the hurt that cuts deep into my heart by what happened during her wake. Yet, I consider that opportunity something of importance, a great chance that helped make me stronger. It was because I have gained the best opportunity to defend someone dear to me.

When someone is dear to you, you couldn’t just sit back while people spoke ill of that person. The person am talking about is Bro. Eli Soriano. Even though I considered my grandmother dear to me, so is Bro. Eli, ever since that moment when I learned the truth of the Bible through him.

I am the kind of person who hardly show up at any family get-together, so being there, at my grandmother’s wake in June last year was quite unusual in itself. The last time I saw her alive was at the burial of my maternal grandfather. I think they said she insisted to come. I loved her for that and regret the times I couldn’t spend with her.

My mother text-messaged me one Sunday morning and broke the news. I was in Pampanga at the time and left in quite haste. I had decided to visit her wake with my paternal uncle.

At the wake, he introduced me to a few relatives. I’ve seen a few of them before; and most are already familiar of me. Incidentally, this was because I had also attended the wake of my second-cousin who died in February. (It was a car accident.)

I took a long look inside the coffin—a long last look at my grandmother, who, even in death, wore a smile. Before I went there, my heart was heavy with guilt knowing that she had expressed how much she loved to see us but I couldn’t make the time.

There were a few among our relatives who took notice of me. They eyed me strangely, and I thought I knew why. I took a liking to one of the elder women who dressed familiarly simple. She had her hair in a bun and wore a long skirt. Finally, she asked, “You know, I’ve seen you before. You always seem to dress like that, very modest and meek.”

They were third-cousins perhaps once-removed. One thing led to another and I found out they belonged to Haligi ng Dios Kay Kristo Hesus. I had also told them of my faith, that I joined Members Church of God International (MCGI) recently. I mentioned that it was the group led by Bro. Eli Soriano. “You are knowledgeable of him, I believe,” I inquired of the woman who asked to be called Lilang. (Lilang refers to an old aunt in their province.)

I had been eager to find brethren among them. So it hurt my heart to hear how they were very contrary towards Brother Eli. It was not a surprise for I have already heard about the history of both our faiths.

Times Have Changed

On April 7, 1964, at the age of 17, Bro. Eli Soriano was baptized, joining a congregation of Christians then led by Bro. Nicholas Perez. (See: http://www.elisoriano.com/biography) After the death of Bro. Perez, there was disarray in tenet which led to the division of the church members allegiance to different people who claimed the right to lead them after Bro. Perez. One of the groups listened to Soriano, and the one which now claims the name Haligi ng Dios Kay Kristo Hesus, was led by the late Levita Gugulan.

I knew a different Bro. Eli from the one my Lilang had imposed from the stories told in their church. She claims to have worked with him back in the day, being a deaconess in their church. She says she felt it as a waste for such a man, who was so knowledgeable of the Bible and so good at defending it to turn corrupt. She tells me that she heard Brother Eli was infuriated to find Gugulan in the position of authority instead of him, so that is why he led some astray. These are all LIES! –lies of their congregation that scarred into their history; and she openly stated, “It’s so wasteful of you to be of Ang Dating Daan, with Soriano” to my face with a sympathetic front that left me pitying her instead. I saw her sorrow and her sister’s too. But my heart was heavy thinking how deceived they are.

It will be almost two years for me in the Church. Bro. Eli has been leading this congregation as a servant of God for five decades, and tomorrow marks his 51st year of service. If you ask any true brethren why we love Bro. Eli, they’d tell you that his sympathy for his fellowmen is sincere.

Photo Credits: MCGI.org

I have not been in the Church for that many years, but already I feel the power of the Holy Spirit working in Bro. Eli with every lesson he teaches based on the Holy Scriptures. My aunts told me these most-likely fabricated and/or exaggerated stories about Bro. Eli, in order to pull me out of the brotherhood, the Church I now knew. They pitied me and told me what a waste it was for me to be with the congregation, following after the biblical preaching of Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel. But I knew better. I stood fast to my faith for I knew that they were wrong.

Some people simply look into his eyes as he spoke, and they believed he preached in all honesty and commitment. But God works in ways you cannot imagine, that words do not stay merely words, but become actions. Members of the congregation work together, and this in itself is very inspiring.

Times have changed. The congregation he led since that time grew much stronger and much faithful. Lilang mentioned variations between the practices theirs during Bro. Perez’s times and ours now, and that is because Bro. Eli never ceased studying the Bible, improving the practices of faith of the brethren as we continued to grow.

A True Servant of God

As written in prophecy according to the Bible, many were called to the Church. Many turned back to the Lord through the efforts of the congregation which did sympathize with Bro. Eli and the work of God. I believe it so because I witnessed it myself.

Delegates wave their flags while joyously cheering “To God be the Glory!”/ Photo by Hazel David (@hazeeyski) via twitter

I felt his compassion and dedication to the work of God. I realized so much here compared to when I was a catholic, a self-acclaimed non-denominational Christian, and later even a deist. It was only Brother Eli’s words that struck me, that intervened in my heart and changed my outlook in so many aspects of life completely.

If my Lilang were to read this, she’ll then know that I’ll never turn away from that, not even by the words of blood-relatives. It is justice to stand in the truth, and God is first before anyone else, even family; And I wish that everyone would realize that Bro. Eli is not what the fabricated stories and false accusations claim him to be.

And to Bro. Eli, in the fifty-first year of your service to God, beloved Brother Eli, I believe that God works in you. Happy 51st year in service to God Bro. Eli Soriano, Steward of Truth & Servant of God!

Brother Eli in Brazil during the International Thanksgiving in April 2015/ Photo Credits: MCGI.org

Oct. 30, 2014 – Even under the scorching heat, people had already started to amass at all entrances at the Smart Araneta as early as 2:30pm. What was the fuss all about? This day specifically marks the 34th anniversary of the longest running religious program on Philippine TV, Ang Dating Daan. In celebration, a Worldwide Bible Exposition was to be held at the Big Dome.

To-date, the Bible Exposition has become a gathering where people all across the globe can ask questions regarding Christian faith, answered straight from the Bible by none other than Bro. Eli Soriano, presiding minister of Members Church of God International. Bible Expositions have since made up the show “Itanong Mo Kay Soriano, Biblia ang Sasagot” (“Ask Soriano, the Bible Will Answer”) which is one of the first segments produced by the Ang Dating Daan program.

Humble Beginnings

The first ever airing of Ang Dating Daan on television was in 1983 (apart from the radio broadcast which started in 1980), with a three-person production staff. Despite the lack of personnel, financial constraints and other setbacks, there was no stopping the program from airing on Philippine Television.

Starting with an initial air time of 30 mins, the program slowly developed, and in years to come, the program would have faced many more obstacles including media critics, religious enemies, and conspirators.

In 2005, the religious host, Bro. Eli Soriano left the country, during which time one could hardly realize that this would be the start of expansion of the program and its works toward other countries, slowly infiltrating the Global Arena.

Shooting for Audio Video Presentation

For the anniversary special, it had been a collaborative effort from MCGI members in selected parts of Luzon including Laguna, Cavite, and Metro Manila.

And since Ang Dating Daan had long focused on and continue to shape a nation zealous of good works, hand-in-hand with the celebration had been continuous medical missions, clean-up drives and other public services.

Worldwide Bible Exposition at Araneta Coliseum

The event began with a few intermission numbers. ASOP interpreterspresented most defining Songs of Praise to God. Songs such us “Ikaw,” and “May Awa ang Dios” were one of the highlight performances.

But none was of astounding brilliance as the view of the Ang Dating Daan Chorale, together with MCGI Music Ministry Choir in the background.

The stadium was already jam-packed as early as 3:30pm, but there were thousands more guests who were no longer able to enter. Despite that, there were Ang Dating Daan coordinating centers/ local chapters (live-viewing centers) which were open to accommodate them.

As with every Bible Exposition, many were given the chance to ask their questions and hear Bro. Eli answer straight from the Bible.

Bro. Eli had earlier on taken the opportunity to thank their sponsors with which the broadcasts were able to continue despite difficult times, apart from making known his gratefulness for all those who were able to grace the occasion. Bro. Eli was proud to mention that, especially in Brazil, Filipinos were not seen as liabilities.

Bro. Eli was not meek to point out his unrest regarding the rise in number of Atheists—people who do not believe in God, pointing out that there is nothing wrong with believing in God. From there, he reminisced the history of how he and his program had kept up with enemies trying to halt the propagation of their cause.

In addition to the success of the event, the featured hashtag #Happy34YearsADD had made it to the top of Philippine trends on Twitter.

And even for me, it was simply a wonderful experience to have taken part in this celebration. For to merely listen to this man, how he conforms to every question, and how he is able to answer queries according to the Bible, but most importantly how he is able to care for the flock in these grave times with the guidance of the holy Gospel–these things are not the work of man but of God.